Eastern Michigan coach Ron English stands on the field during the first half against Army in West Point, N.Y. / Mike Groll, AP

by Eric D. Lawrence, USA TODAY Sports

by Eric D. Lawrence, USA TODAY Sports

The death of an Eastern Michigan University football player has been classified as a homicide.

The football player has been identified as Demarius Reed, a wide receiver, according to a statement Friday from Walter Kraft, the university's vice president for communications.

"The incident happened off campus in the 700 block of West Clark Rd., near the intersection of LeForge Rd. and Clark Rd. It was discovered at 7:15 this morning. Ypsilanti Police are investigating the death and are in close contact with the EMU Police Department," Kraft said in the statement.

Details on the manner of death were not immediately available. A message seeking comment was left for Ypsilanti Police.

Reed was listed as a junior from Chicago on the Eagles' website. He has played in six games this season, catching 15 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown.

In 2012, he appeared in nine games and made three starts.

He was rated nationally by several websites that rank talent, with ESPN.com listing him as the 64th best cornerback in the country and Rivals.com listing him as the 43rd best prospect in Illinois, the site says, noting that he was "very agile and aggressive on the field," "posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds" and "is very quick with the ball."